It marks the third straight season that the Crimson Tide have appeared in the championship contest, with Alabama favored in the previous two as well. Clemson was the opponent in each of the previous two contests with both teams splitting one win apiece.

The matchup with Georgia means Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban will face his longtime assistant Kirby Smart. The legendary coach is a perfect 11-0 against his former Alabama assistants with each win coming via double digits.